Lennar
Reviews and Complaints

Potential homebuyers,

I bought a brand new house in Santa Clarita Valley for more than a half million dollars and lived there for a little less than two years now. So far, here are some problems with this house that could not be covered its warranty:

• Visible and noticeable cracks on the stucco. Yes, I am seeing more cracks all over outside of the building on stuccos. When I complained after a few month of my purchase, Lennar customer care rep said that Lennar won't repair until it is opened widely up to certain inches, which does not make senses at all. I could see cracks all over especially around the doors and windows even inside the unit, and the cracks are appearing noticeably more and more. Lots of my neighbors have same complaints. We might probably take class legal actions toward Lennar on this…
• A major water pipe outside of the building that is connected to a major water pipe inside the building is broken, so it was leaking. When I reported to Lennar care, a care rep came to my house and said that its warranty is expired, so he could not do anything. My biggest concern is that outside water pipe is PVC pipe, not a copper made pipe. This means Lennar used cheap materials to build more-then-a half million dollar house even though Lennar knew that California is exposed to earthquakes. I am wondering what kind of materials they used for inside the units. Lennar finally decided to reimburse the repair cost, but I am not certain what Lennar will do if this type of problems happens again for other neighbors who are not proactively and assertively complained about it.
• The sprinklers at the backyard have been leaking from the day one after my purchase. I complained this and Lennar was able to stop the leakage on each inquiry. However, it has not been fixed permanently, so it continued to leak. Lennar said there was nothing they stop to prevent this problem primarily due to my backyard structure. I also noticed that the sprinkler system keeps running on and on even it watered all zones entirely. Lennar said that it was caused by programming issue on the time, which one of professional gardeners inspected and found no problems with programming.

Lennar built some pathways/ walkways here and there in the community, but if you carefully look at the concrete/ cement on the ground, you will find lots of cracks, which really implies the quality of Lennar homes. Please challenge the sales representatives on these complaints to see how Lennar will handle as if you were having the same issues as a new homeowner before you purchase the house. I am not upset or angry about Lennar, but I am really disappointed about the poor quality of the houses Lennar built in Santa Clarita Valley area.

We purchased a home last year, (built in 2005)...and have a laundry list of builder defects, which Lennar says they are not responsible for. To top it all of, the Lennar Reps were hateful that we were bothering them about these defects. A leaking roof above my daughters bed is no laughing matter to me when we are buying a NEW home. Shady people working for Lennar and wherever Mr. Lennar is, they probably don't care as long as cash is flowing. IM now stuck unlsee we want to sell for half what we owe or walk away...but you can still save yourself a lot of anguish. If you don't care about quality, then buy from Lennar.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=egM4yC56UlY

Water leaks through the shower tiles and flooded the dining room ceiling. Since the house is 15 month old and passed the warranty period they are not taking responsibility of it. I also had water leaks in the basement which was identified before the warranty period, but still not fixed by Lennar. Don't expect Lennar to stand behind their product. I will never buy a home from them again.

We bought our first newly built home from US Homes/Lennar in 2001, now after 9 years we were ready to up grade and put our home on the market. But after the inspection by the buyers we found out our main sewer line was a poor install, the buyers backed out and we need to spend 12000 to 16000 dollars on fixing the problem. When we contacted Lennar they said it would have fallen under the 2 year warranty and we only had 6 years from time of possession to take legal action. I could go on about many other problems with this cooky cutter house that we have corrected over the years but don't have time to write a book! Word to the wise, when you build a new home pay attention to every detail and scope/camera your main line before warranty is up!

We had a carpet defect issue and also a seam repair issue where the carpet was cut into and patched by Wayne Wiles (Lennar’s Contractor). We immediately issued a complaint. Several weeks later our Lennar Rep arrived with Brian Decker (WW). Brian did not seem to interested in the repair job gone wrong, but did confirm that the carpet was defective and that Mohawk would replace the living rm and all adjoining rms due to mismatching dye lots. We informed him at the time that we were not happy with the carpet and asked if the Mohawk credit could be applied to a better carpet in the bedrms and tile throughout the living rm. He agreed. He scheduled the tile install for 3/13 & 3/14. He said carpet would be done on 3/17. The tile guys arrived around 8:15a on Saturday stating they were going to try to get it all done in one day. I did not think much of this until I read the Mortar bag that advised tile should not be grouted until 16-24 hours after being laid. When I brought up my concern the installer pointed at the Sun and said it would be fine. Annoyed, I called around to tile companies. All confirmed this is not standard installation practice. I contacted Brian & he came out to our home the following Monday & knocked on the center of some of the tiles to prove that they were set. He advised us that as long as the tiles did not sound hollow, they were bonded to the floor and there was not a problem. He then advised WW guarantees their installs for 1 year and if we had any problems they would be taken care of and that he would draft a warranty letter (which I have if requested). When Brian left we decided to check our older tile that came standard with home. 60+ tiles are hollow in the main foyer, hallway, kitchen, bathrms, and master closet. I immediately contacted our Lennar rep and pointed the hollow tiles out. She said she would address them with Bill Whiffen and WW to correct the problem. She contacted us to discuss other issues brought up through the walkthrough but never the tile. I finally called her on 3/26 and was informed that she had spoken with Brian, and Brian had advised her that it was not covered under the warranty. I find it fascinating that WW dictates to Lennar what Lennar’s warranty does and does not covers. The Lennar Warranty Book given to us at closing does not state hollow tile is excluded from warranty coverage. I stopped by a sales office on 3/26 and picked up the newer version which mentioned nothing on exclusions of tile warranty. Every tile expert that I have spoken with all state that hollow tile, while not showing cracking now, will be prone to cracking, shifting, and lifting later down the road. They all state that Hollow tile is caused by improper bonding to the floor by either poor installation or bad thinnest. I sent a summary of the flooring problems and other outstanding warranty claims to Bill and requested that our issues be resolved. I also cc’d the CEO, Stuart Miller. Both letters were sent certified mail. Bill responded on Monday (See attached E-Mails). Stating he would schedule a visit. We met with him on 3/31. He advised he would look into all other issues but the tile was not something that was covered. He advised that if it lifts or buckles after are warranty ends he would come out and fix it, but would not cover cracking. I requested his statement in writing, which he also provided via E-Mail. All we want is the tile that came with the home purchase redone correctly the way it should have been done in the first place. We will see what the Attorney General and BBB have to say about help.

My partner and I are strongly considering purchasing a home in Ashburn VA Martin Chase community. But after dealing with the sales person (AJ McCollough. We are thinking twice! Although its a nice community AJ was extremely rude and indignant once we asked about the warranty of Lennar's Home. After reading many complaints about Lennar, as home buyers we want to feel comfortable with our purchase. No one should purchase a half million dollar home without asking questions! She was very abrupt, negative and aggressive. At least I can honestly say she is consistent in her behavior, I witnessed her treating other buyers the same. Although the homes are in a great location, it DOES NOT give her the right to treat buyers with such hostility. Such arrogant behavior when someone is just trying to feel confidant in their purchase is absurd!

When Lennar says they have the "everything home" they mean that everything is wrong. They did not caulk the windows or outlets leading to leaks when it rains. My "energy star" home if filled with drafts. The drywall was not taped in the corners or ceiling leading to hairline cracks everywhere. The cheapest materials were used including the upgrades that I over paid for. Unskilled labor was used so the walls are crooked. I can hear every step someone takes upstairs because of poor instalation. The list goes on. I would tell anyone not to buy a Lennar home. I made a comment on my facebook so all can see.

In November of 2005, we were negotiating to purchase a new home from Lennar's Parkers Place Subdivision in Taylors, SC. Everything was done we thought except the signature . My wife called me at work and said I need to sign the paperwork for the house which was priced at 183500. I told her OK and left work. When I got there the agent said we just got a price increase and since you haven't signed yet the new price is 193500. I should have walked away at that point but my wife really wanted the house so we agreed and put down a deposit and signed the agreement.

We moved in 2 days before Christmas 2005. We found a few issues which they told us they would cover under the warranty. The rep that helped us with the move in told my wife after she asked about the care of the hardwoods which turned out to be laminates that she need to just "Damp mop them" which she has done for the last few years. Recently we noticed the hardwoods were warping and peeling, we called Lennar about it the told us that it was water damage and 1.) not their responsibility and 2.) We were no longer in warranty. in the past 4 years we have had to have all the vinyl floors replaced, the downstairs carpet replaced, they refuse to fix the up stairs carpet, washing machine replaced, I have replaced most of the light switches in my home because they fail for no apparent reason. Lennar told me to replace them that was my responsibility. My heat pump while it barely met the standard when they built the house is insufficient to effectively heat or cool the house, the house which the salesman told us would be so energy efficient fails miserably, average Electric bill is about $300 and another $200+ for Gas. The house is drafty and poorly constructed. According to Duke Energy my house uses 3 times as much energy as the average home with same square footage (just myself, my teen daughter and my wife). We had all the double pane (thermal) windows replaced, both doors have been replaced. We have issues with cracks in the walls, cracks in my slab and my driveway from “settling". Recently we noticed mildew growing on a wall next to the water heater and called Lennar after 4 weeks and an email to the home office, the construction manager comes by and tells me that the emergency shutoff valve is leaking and since I'm out o warranty its my responsibility. I was outraged. A leaking brass valve which was installed by Lennar or one of their contractors which I have no control over is leaking and it’s my problem. If the home was 20 yrs old but this was a new home 4 yrs ago.

I could never recommend Lennar to anyone after my experience. My next step is to consult my Attorney to see how to proceed.

Buyer Beware! When it comes to buying a home from Lennar be very careful. If you are unlucky enough to have warranty issues good luck getting things resolved. The company does not care after they take your money. They need to find blame when you have a problem. Someone else to foot the bill. If they can't find fault with anyone but themselves they will not fix the problem. Bad company when it comes to warranty!

The home is very poorly built. I have made a complaint to the BBB, here and Houston. My sinks in the master bedroom and the upstairs bath room are cracking. The lock on my front is not work well. It is cold in the master bath room and closet. When a certain spot is stepped on, it sounds like the person is going to come down. I am at a lost as to what to do.

My daugther and I purchased this home, to have a safe place for her three girls to live. The home is a disappointment to us. We are in a position that we can not afford to move.

Purchased a home through Lennar in a new home community in early 2008. Though could be related to timing of construction, we were informed that our settlement would be 3 weeks later than originally scheduled date with a two day warning - resulting in coercing current landlord to let us reside in apartment a month longer. At walk through of new home a list of concerns were provided, though only half of issues were resolved by move-in date. Since there is a one year warranty on the home, we had a 60 day walk-through prior to our one year walk-through to help correct any concerns. We were never contacted for 60 day walk-through, nor were our neighbors. When we presented this concern, the new home reps accused us of not following policy and submitted a consumer survey & list, though we were never directed to. Most of us continue to wait, over 7 months later, for initial construction concerns from settlement to be resolved. Directions on how to access mail, arrange utilities for a home with new construction, info on homeowners association, and a list of contracted builders for home were unclear or not addressed by Lennar staff. Be weary of working with this company!

My wife and I began searching in Lakeland, Florida for a new home when a job change forced us to move. On the surface it seemed as though Lennar Homes, the Hampton Hills subdivision, had everything we were seeking. In reality our deal with Lennar was a nightmare and I could not be happier that we did not end up buying a home from them. Consider...

1. Lennar builds generic homes. Want to change a color? Sorry, but you cannot. Want tile instead of carpet? Not an option. The simple fact is that when you buy a Lennar home, even if you sign on the dotted line well before construction begins, you are buying a stock home. They try to make it seem as though this is the way to go but it is extremely self-limiting when you spend about $200k and cannot even do minor modifications to the home's design.

2. Lennar uses deceptive advertising. My wife and I were led to believe that the Nehemiah funding was a Lennar deal. It was a federal deal. We were led to believe that our home would start about one month after we signed on to buy it. At the 4 month mark, when construction still had not begun, it was starting to lose its allure.

3. The "Everything Is Included" is another deceptive advertising practice. The packages are very generic and they do not use the top-of-the-line products. Everything is "contractor grade" unless you buy one of the largest and most expensive of their homes. But even if you spend over $300k for the home you still cannot even pick your colors, options, or layout.

4. Lennar caters to the first home buying crowd. Savvy buyers will pick up on this and will not buy from them. This, for whatever reason, seems to lead to a lot of rentals in the area. Perhaps because the new home buyers end up in over their heads and have to rent to stay afloat?

Last but not least, most of the Lennar homes have really small kitchen cabinets. The model we were looking at had 14 and all of them were small. It had a medium-sized pantry which would have been filled with pots and pans that would not fit into the kitchen.

The bottom line is really simple. Your home is your biggest investment. If you are going to buy a new home then why settle, especially as much as you are going to end up spending? The answer to your home dreams is NOT Lennar. There are simply too many other builders out there that are superior in quality, customization, and overall buying experience.

Lennar's business plan is also flawed by the way. We signed the contract on May 4. By September the home was still not built. Because they build in their neighborhoods in stages you may have to wait awhile. What kind of business plan allows paying customers essentially walk away from their purchase? The answer is a really bad one...

Lennar's no-questions-asked, no-SSN labor installed HVAC vents five feet off the floor, put a security keypad directly on top of a light switch, couldn't get the counter/cabinet assembly plumb, and botched nearly every corner's molding (at ceilings) or quarter-round (on floors). We got lucky and managed to get them to fix most of those.

Of course, that was BEFORE they got our money. Three windows were installed off of square and cracked from the strain; they refused to fix them, saying it could have been something hitting them, despite the fact that all three cracks began in corners and extended inward. A crack opened up in the counter - after the warranty expired, of course - at which time we found that rather than re-doing the cabinet/countertop, they had just wedged some shims between it and the wall.

Ten months after we moved in, the rainy season here in south Texas began and we learned that a huge patch of our back yard turns into a mosquito breeding pool because of improper drainage. After we called them repeatedly, they came out, dug, put in a few square yards of sod, and told my wife she had to sign off on the work order before they could finish. She did, and we never saw them again. They now refuse to do anything, saying that they've completed the repair.

A few months after we bought the house, we found a leak in the garage. This started out well - they sent somebody out who fixed the leak and cut out and replaced the damaged wall. Unfortunately, "fixing" the leak involved smearing caulk or something on it and hoping it held. We found water damage in exactly the same spot last month, and I went up to the roof and found out that the ridiculous repair job had failed; the caulking had cracked and the leak had opened up again. They're refusing to fix it because it is now out of warranty - apparently, if they pretend to fix it once, they never want to hear about it again.

The guy who deals with this stuff is condescending and rude, and takes three days to even acknowledge communication. I'm done trying to deal with him. If I can't find somebody at the company who will actually take responsibility for their work, we'll see what the BBB and Texas Residential Construction Commission have to say.

Rented townhouse from an owner of a newly built townhome subdivision built by Lennar Homes. Received called from landlord several days ago about Lennar Homes refusing to do any more business with him until landlord got rid of several owners/renters (as landlord owns several properities in subdivision) for various reasons, even though owners/renters have 12 months leases already in play. After speaking with other owners that are being evicted they are all minorities. One other renter whose being evicted states that she is being asked to leave because Lennar homes does not want the owner to rent to section 8 renters. Reason given for wanting me evicted is because Lennar states there have been 6 complaints from other owners in subdivison about too many people living here and complaints about the music coming from home is violating the noise ordinance. However, there are no townhomes attached to my home except the office to the subdivision. And that there are only me and my 3 children living in my home. I do, however, have a few visitors in my home currently due to a death in the family. I am not on section 8, so I feel that something had to conjured up to find a way to evict me. A lawyer has been contacted. I feel this is a direct attempt to out renters who are minorities.